Li Zilin, winner in the junior group at the English public speaking competition, speaks about Chinese shadow puppetry during the contest organized by 51Talk in Beijing, July 22, 2019. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The development of our nation comes hand-in-hand with cultural prosperity. Here we see our children carry on the heritage of our forefathers. I'm glad that my kid had the chance to participate in this," one parent said after the event.

According to the organizer, the final will be held in the United Kingdom with the eight semi-final winners. They will be young ambassadors of cultural exchange, bringing more vitality into traditional Chinese culture.